TL;DR: Fake messages claim you’ve won a Premium Bonds prize or that your NS&I account needs urgent attention. NS&I says genuine texts always use the sender ID “NSandI” and sign off “NS&I,” and it never sends a link in a text that goes directly to its log-in page. Check prizes yourself on nsandi.com or the app, forward fakes to 7726 and report to Report Fraud.
Why Premium Bonds are perfect bait
Millions of Britons hold Premium Bonds, prizes are drawn monthly, and “you’ve won” is the most pleasant sentence in English. A fake prize message only needs to reach a holder at the right moment. Older savers are particularly targeted.
What NS&I says about its texts
From NS&I’s text scam page:
- Genuine texts use the sender ID “NSandI” and sign off “NS&I.”
- NS&I never sends a link in a text that goes directly to its log-in page.
- It won’t ask you to enter your online banking details through a text.
NS&I also has guidance on phone call scams.
Common fakes
- “Congratulations, your Premium Bond has won £25,000. Claim here.”
- “Your NS&I account has been suspended. Verify your details.”
- Calls offering “guaranteed” NS&I-style bonds with better rates (often clone investment firms).
- Messages from a supposed family member asking you to cash in bonds and send money.
How to check a prize
Use the prize checker on nsandi.com or in the NS&I app, typed or opened yourself. Real winnings are paid to your nominated account or reinvested; you don’t pay a fee to receive them. Any request for a release fee or tax upfront is a scam (advance fee fraud).
Report it
NS&I’s steps:
- Stop: don’t reply, click or pay.
- Verify the sender using a number you already know is correct.
- Forward the text to 7726.
- Report to Report Fraud.
- If you think you’ve been scammed, call NS&I immediately.
Bond-style investment scams
Some scammers offer “government-backed” or “NS&I partner” bonds at high rates. Check any firm on the FCA Firm Checker first (how). A free email exposure check shows if your email is in breach lists sold to these callers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a text from NS&I is real?
NS&I says genuine texts use the sender ID "NSandI," sign off "NS&I," and never link directly to its log-in page.
Will NS&I text me about a Premium Bonds prize with a link?
Check prizes yourself on nsandi.com or the app. NS&I won’t send a text link straight to its log-in page.
Do I need to pay a fee to receive a Premium Bonds prize?
No. Any fee request is a scam.
How do I report a fake NS&I text?
Forward it to 7726 and report it to Report Fraud.